Renter Rights
You don't need to
own a roof to have
solar rights.
44 million American renters have historically been locked out of solar. That's changing state by state. Here's exactly what rights you have - and don't yet have - depending on where you live.
8 statesSigned renter solar laws
3 statesAwaiting signature
44MUS renter households
Strongest protections
8 states where landlords
legally cannot say no.
In these states, landlords and HOAs cannot prohibit compliant plug-in solar installations. They can set reasonable placement guidelines, but cannot ban installation outright.
COLORADO - HB26-1007
Effective Jan 1, 2027 · Two tiers: 395W no-approval, 1,920W licensed electrician
MARYLAND - HB 1532
Effective now · 391W no-UL tier, 1,200W with UL
MAINE - LD 1730
Effective July 2026
VIRGINIA - HB395
Effective Jan 1, 2027
UTAH - HB 340
Effective now
CONNECTICUT - HB 5340
Signed June 4, 2026 · RRES successor Jul 1, 2026 · portable solar protections Oct 1, 2026
One signature away
3 more states are close.
New Hampshire
On governor's desk
New York
SUNNY Act awaiting Governor Hochul
Important: as passed, this bill does NOT include explicit landlord/HOA protections like Colorado's law does - verify your lease terms even if it signs.
If your state isn't listed above
You may still have options -
just not the same legal protection.
Without a state law, your ability to install plug-in solar depends entirely on your lease terms and your landlord's willingness. A few things to know:
Many leases don't explicitly address solar at all - silence isn't permission, but it's also not a ban.
Community solar doesn't require any installation or landlord approval - available in 44 states regardless of balcony solar law status.
21+ states have bills actively advancing. Your state may join the signed list within the next year.
Practical steps
What to do if your
landlord pushes back.
Landlord hasn't heard of the law
Most landlords are not yet aware of the new renter solar laws. A short, professional letter referencing your state's specific statute usually settles it.
Generate landlord letter →Landlord says 'ask permission'
In signed states, most laws require advance notice (typically 30 days), not permission. The law is your permission - your landlord cannot deny a compliant installation.
Landlord sets placement rules
Reasonable restrictions - railing-mounted not roof-mounted, no blocking walkways, matching aesthetic guidelines - are generally enforceable. Outright bans in signed states are not.
Landlord threatens retaliation
Retaliation for exercising a tenant right is illegal in every signed-state law. Contact a tenant rights organization immediately and document everything in writing.
If you need help
Tenant rights organizations.
National advocacy + state-level housing policy contacts
Find a free local legal aid office in any state
Free civil legal help for low-income Coloradans
Tenant rights advocacy and direct representation in Colorado
Sol Country is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Contact a tenant rights organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Know your rights
in your state.
Sol Country tracks every signed law, pending bill, and community solar program in all 50 states - so renters know exactly what's possible at their address.
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